Moscow hosts clown festival

The eighth clown festival known as “Clownery Planet” has opened at Moscow's MTUZ theatre. The programme includes performances by leading Russian comedians and is said to entertain both youngsters and adults for eight days.

Some say clowning around is an addictive profession, others claim it is a philosophy, and some define it as diagnosis. Those who have dedicated their lives to it all agree that once a clown – always a clown.

“Shtyrliki” is a group of comedians founded 20 years ago. Over the years the group has won the hearts of many kids and adults all over the world. During the international festival of street theatre in Florence the clowns were awarded a prize and later on, in Amsterdam, they received a certificate called “Crazy clowns”. They were also the first ones to perform at the current clownery festival in Moscow.

Organisers of the festival say that clownery has a little bit for everybody and many jokes are meant for adults only.

“I think this festival, and clownery in general, is more important for grown-ups than for children. Unfortunately, there are cases when unqualified comedians scare youngsters, because they do not know how to work with them,” Aleksandr Dokalenko, festival’s organiser, says.

As the popular Russian expression goes, laughter prolongs your life. So, don't miss the festival which lasts until August 22.